Sensor-equipped display device and sensor device

ABSTRACT

A sensor-equipped display device is provided including a display panel including a substrate, a sensor drive electrode, and a detection electrode opposed to the sensor drive electrode, wherein the detection electrode includes first and second layers in a first direction, the first layer has a first width in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second layer has a second width in the second direction, the second width being wider than the first width, the first layer includes first lower and upper surfaces, the first upper surface being between the first lower surface and the second layer, the second layer includes a second lower surface located on the first upper surface, and a second upper surface opposed to the second lower surface, the second lower surface being between the second upper surface and the first layer, the second lower surface has a first region which is in contact with the first upper surface and a second region which is not in contact with the first upper surface, and the second region includes a part of an edge of the second lower surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/363,353, filed on Nov. 29, 2016, which is based upon and claims thebenefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-233678,filed Nov. 30, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sensor-equippeddisplay device and a sensor device.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, sensor-equipped display devices configured to detect anobject approaching or contacting thereon by a sensor (or a touchpanel)are used. Such a sensor may be formed as a thin conductive mesh in whichdetection electrodes are formed for the positional detection, and thesensor includes a metal layer and a black layer disposed on the metallayer.

If the detection electrodes include a metal layer, the detectionelectrodes emit light at their edges because the light is reflected bythe side surfaces of the metal layer. Therefore, in a combination ofsuch a sensor and a display device, the display quality of an imagedisplayed on the display device may be deteriorated.

SUMMARY

The present application generally relates to a sensor-equipped displaydevice and a sensor device.

In an embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device is provided. Thesensor-equipped display device includes a display panel including asensor drive electrode disposed in a display area and a detectionelectrode opposed to the sensor drive electrode in the display area; anda driver which supplies a sensor drive signal to the sensor driveelectrode and reads a change in a detection signal, the sensor drivesignal from the sensor drive electrode to be detected as the detectionsignal by the detection electrode, wherein the detection electrodeincludes a first layer formed in a thin line shape, and a second layeron the first layer in a plan view of the display area, the second layerhaving a reflectivity lower than that of the first layer, the firstlayer includes a first lower surface, a first upper surface above thefirst lower surface, and a first side surface, the second layer includesa second lower surface on the first upper surface, and a second uppersurface above the second lower surface, the outer edge of the secondlower surface is shifted with respect to the outer edge of the firstupper surface in a plan view, and the outermost outer edge of the secondlayer is positioned outside the outermost outer edge of the first layerin a plan view.

In an embodiment, a sensor device is provided. The sensor deviceincludes a substrate and a detection electrode provided with thesubstrate, wherein the detection electrode includes a first layer formedin a thin line shape, and a second layer on the first layer in a planview of the sensor device, the second layer having a reflectivity lowerthan that of the first layer, the first layer includes a first lowersurface, a first upper surface above the first lower surface, and afirst side surface, the second layer includes a second lower surfacecontacting the first upper surface, and a second upper surface above thesecond lower surface, the outer edge of the second lower surface isshifted with respect to the outer edge of the first upper surface in aplan view, and the outermost outer edge of the second layer is outsidethe outermost outer edge of the first layer in a plan view.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of asensor-equipped display device of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example of the structure of a sensor SE ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example of the structure of a detectionelectrode Rx of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an example of the structure of thedetection electrode Rx of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9B shows an example of a cross-section of the detection electrodeRx in which the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 each have amultilayered structure.

FIG. 9C shows an example of a cross-section of the detection electrodeRx in which the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 each have amultilayered structure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the structure of asensor SE including the detection electrode Rx of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a manufacturing method of adisplay device including the sensor SE.

FIG. 12 is a photograph of a cross-section of the detection electrodeformed through the steps of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows the basic structure of the display device DSP of FIG. 1and its equivalent circuit.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of the displaydevice DSP.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the display panelPNL in which the detection electrode Rx is arranged in a positiondifferent from the embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the structure of a sensor device EQ of theembodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the display device DSP includingthe sensor device EQ of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the display deviceDSP including the sensor device EQ of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped displaydevice comprising: a display panel including a sensor drive electrodedisposed in a display area and a detection electrode opposed to thesensor drive electrode in the display area; and a driver which suppliesa sensor drive signal to the sensor drive electrode, and reads a changein the detection signal, the sensor drive signal from the sensor driveelectrode to be detected as the detection signal by the detectionelectrode, wherein the detection electrode includes a first layer formedin a thin line shape, and a second layer on the first layer in a planview of the display area, the second layer having a reflectivity lowerthan that of the first layer, the first layer includes a first lowersurface, a first upper surface above the first lower surface, and afirst side surface, the second layer includes a second lower surfacecontacting the first upper surface, and a second upper surface above thesecond lower surface, the outer edge of the second lower surface isshifted with respect to the outer edge of the first upper surface in aplan view, and the outermost outer edge of the second layer ispositioned outside the outermost outer edge of the first layer in a planview.

According to one embodiment, a sensor device includes: a substrate and adetection electrode provided with the substrate, wherein: the detectionelectrode includes a first layer formed in a thin line shape, and asecond layer on the first layer in a plan view of the sensor device, thesecond layer having a reflectivity lower than that of the first layer;the first layer includes a first lower surface, a first upper surfaceabove the first lower surface, and a first side surface; the secondlayer includes a second lower surface contacting the first uppersurface, and a second upper surface above the second lower surface; theouter edge of the second lower surface is shifted with respect to theouter edge of the first upper surface; and the outermost outer edge ofthe second layer is positioned outside the outermost outer edge of thefirst layer.

According to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device includes:a display panel including a sensor drive electrode disposed in a displayarea and a detection electrode opposed to the sensor drive electrode inthe display area; and a driver which supplies a sensor drive signal tothe sensor drive electrode, and reads a change in the detection signal,the sensor drive signal from the sensor drive electrode to be detectedas the detection signal by the detection electrode, wherein: thedetection electrode includes a first layer formed in a thin line shape,and a second layer on the first layer in a plan view of the displayarea, the second layer having a reflectivity lower than that of thefirst layer; the first layer includes a first lower surface, a firstupper surface above the first lower surface, and a first side surface;the first lower surface and the first side surface form an angle of 90°or less; the second layer includes a second lower surface contacting thefirst upper surface, and a second upper surface above the second lowersurface; the outer edge of the second lower surface is shifted withrespect to the outer edge of the first upper surface; and the outermostouter edge of the second layer is positioned outside the outermost outeredge of the first layer.

According to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device includes:a display panel including a sensor drive electrode disposed in a displayarea and a detection electrode opposed to the sensor drive electrode inthe display area; and a driver which supplies a sensor drive signal tothe sensor drive electrode, and reads a change in the detection signal,the sensor drive signal from the sensor drive electrode to be detectedas the detection signal by the detection electrode, wherein: thedetection electrode includes a first layer formed in a thin line shape,and a second layer on the first layer in a plan view of the displayarea, the second layer having a reflectivity lower than that of thefirst layer; the first layer includes a first lower surface, a firstupper surface above the first lower surface, and a first side surface;the first lower surface and the first side surface form an obtuse angle;the second layer includes a second lower surface contacting the firstupper surface, and a second upper surface above the second lowersurface; the outer edge of the second lower surface is shifted withrespect to the outer edge of the first upper surface; and the outermostouter edge of the second layer is positioned outside the outermost outeredge of the first layer.

According to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device includes:a display panel including a sensor drive electrode disposed in a displayarea and a detection electrode opposed to the sensor drive electrode inthe display area; and a driver which supplies a sensor drive signal tothe sensor drive electrode, and reads a change in the detection signal,the sensor drive signal from the sensor drive electrode to be detectedas the detection signal by the detection electrode, wherein: thedetection electrode includes a first layer formed in a thin line shape,and a second layer on the first layer in a plan view of the displayarea, the second layer having a reflectivity lower than that of thefirst layer; the first layer includes a first lower surface, a firstupper surface above the first lower surface, and a first side surface;the first lower surface and the first side surface form a first anglewhich is obtuse; the second layer includes a second lower surfacecontacting the first upper surface, a second upper surface above thesecond lower surface, and a second side surface; the second lowersurface and the second side surface form a second angle which is obtuse;the first angle is different form the second angle; the outer edge ofthe second lower surface overlaps with the outer edge of the first uppersurface; and the outermost outer edge of the second layer is positionedoutside the outermost outer edge of the first layer.

According to one embodiment, a sensor-equipped display device includes:a display panel including a sensor drive electrode disposed in a displayarea and a detection electrode opposed to the sensor drive electrode inthe display area; and a driver which supplies a sensor drive signal tothe sensor drive electrode, and reads a change in the detection signal,the sensor drive signal from the sensor drive electrode to be detectedas the detection signal by the detection electrode, wherein: thedetection electrode includes a first layer and a second layer; the firstlayer includes a first lower surface, a first upper surface above thefirst lower surface in a plan view of the display area, and a first sidesurface; and the second layer covers the first upper surface and thefirst side surface.

According to one embodiment, a sensor device includes: a substrate and adetection electrode provided with the substrate, wherein: the detectionelectrode includes a first layer formed in a thin line shape, and asecond layer on the first layer in a plan view of the sensor device, thesecond layer having a reflectivity lower than that of the first layer;the first layer includes a first lower surface, a first upper surfaceabove the first lower surface, and a first side surface; the first lowersurface and the first side surface form an obtuse angle; the secondlayer includes a second lower surface contacting the first uppersurface, and a second upper surface above the second lower surface; andthe outermost outer edge of the second layer is positioned outside theoutermost outer edge of the first layer.

According to one embodiment, a sensor device includes: a substrate and adetection electrode provided with the substrate, wherein: the detectionelectrode includes a first layer formed in a thin line shape, and asecond layer on the first layer in a plan view of the sensor device, thesecond layer having a reflectivity lower than that of the first layer;the first layer includes a first lower surface, a first upper surfaceabove the first lower surface, and a first side surface; the first lowersurface and the first side surface form an obtuse angle; the secondlayer includes a second lower surface contacting the first uppersurface, and a second upper surface above the second lower surface; theouter edge of the second lower surface is shifted with respect to theouter edge of the first upper surface; and the outermost outer edge ofthe second layer is positioned outside the outermost outer edge of thefirst layer.

According to one embodiment, a sensor device includes: a substrate and adetection electrode provided with the substrate, wherein: the detectionelectrode includes a first layer formed in a thin line shape, and asecond layer on the first layer in a plan view of the sensor device, thesecond layer having a reflectivity lower than that of the first layer;the first layer includes a first lower surface, a first upper surfaceabove the first lower surface, and a first side surface; the first lowersurface and the first side surface form a first angle which is obtuse;the second layer includes a second lower surface contacting the firstupper surface, and a second upper surface above the second lowersurface, and a second side surface; the second lower surface and thesecond side surface form a second angle which is obtuse; the first angleis different from the second angle; the outer edge of the second lowersurface overlaps with the outer edge of the first upper surface; and theoutermost outer edge of the second layer is positioned outside theoutermost outer edge of the first layer.

According to one embodiment, a sensor device includes: a substrate and adetection electrode provided with the substrate, wherein: the detectionelectrode includes a first layer and a second layer; the first layerincludes a first lower surface, a first upper surface above the firstlower surface in a plan view of the sensor device, and a first sidesurface; and the second layer covers the first upper surface and thefirst side surface.

Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. Incidentally, the disclosure is merely anexample, and proper changes within the spirit of the invention, whichare easily conceivable by a skilled person, are included in the scope ofthe invention as a matter of course. In addition, in some cases, inorder to make the description clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes,etc. of the respective parts are schematically illustrated in thedrawings, compared to the actual modes. However, the schematicillustration is merely an example, and adds no restrictions to theinterpretation of the invention. Besides, in the specification anddrawings, the structural elements having functions, which are identicalor similar to the functions of the structural elements described inconnection with preceding drawings, are denoted by like referencenumerals, and an overlapping detailed description is omitted unlessnecessary.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of asensor-equipped display device of a present embodiment. In the figure, afirst direction X and a second direction Y cross each other. In thisexample, the first direction X and the second direction Y are orthogonalto each other; however, in some cases the first direction X and thesecond direction Y may simply cross each other. A third direction Z isorthogonal to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. Inthe present application, a direction going toward the tip of the arrowof the third direction Z will be defined as above (or up) and itsopposite direction will be defined as below (or down). Furthermore, anobservation point from which a display device DSP is observed is givenin the tip side of the arrow of the third direction Z, and a view fromthe observation point to an X-Y plane defined by the first direction Xand the second direction Y will be defined as a plan view.

In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device isexemplified as the sensor-equipped display device. The display deviceDSP includes a display panel PNL, driver IC chip IC1 which drives thedisplay panel PNL, capacitance sensor SE, driver IC chip IC2 whichdrives the sensor SE, backlight unit BL which illuminates the displaypanel PNL, control module CM, an flexible printed circuits FPC1, FPC2,and FPC3.

The display panel PNL includes a flat first substrate SUB1, flat secondsubstrate SUB2 disposed to be opposed to the first substrate SUB1, andliquid crystal layer (liquid crystal layer LC which will be describedlater) disposed between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2. The display panel PNL includes a display area DA inwhich an image is displayed. In the example depicted, the display panelPNL is of transmissive type which displays an image by selectivelypassing light from the backlight unit BL. Note that the display panelPNL may be of reflective type which displays an image by selectivelyreflecting external light and auxiliary light from the second substrateSUB2 side. Or, the display panel PNL may be of transflective type whichis a combination of the transmissive type and the reflective type.

The backlight unit BL is disposed in the rear surface side of the firstsubstrate SUB1.

The sensor SE includes a plurality of detection electrodes Rx. Thedetection electrodes Rx are, for example, disposed on the displaysurface of the display panel PNL, that is, on the outer surface of thesecond substrate SUB2. In this example, the detection electrodes Rx aredepicted schematically. In the example depicted, the detectionelectrodes Rx extend in the first direction X and are arranged in thesecond direction Y. Note that the detection electrodes Rx may extend inthe second direction Y and are arranged in the first direction X, orthey may be formed in a matrix extending both the first direction X andthe second direction Y in islands.

The driver IC chip IC1 is mounted on the first substrate SUB1. Theflexible printed circuit FPC1 connects the display panel PNL and thecontrol module CM. The flexible printed circuit FPC2 connects thedetection electrodes Rx and the control module CM. The driver IC chipIC2 is mounted on the flexible printed circuit FPC2. Note that thedriver IC chip IC2 may be mounted on the first substrate SUB1 or may bemounted on the control module CM. The flexible printed circuit FPC3connected the backlight unit BL and the control module CM.

Either the driver IC chip IC1 or the driver IC chip IC2 generates timingsignals used for notification of a drive time of the sensor SE or timingsignals used for notification of a drive time of a common electrode CEwhich will be described later, and supplies the timing signals to theother driver IC chip. Or, the control module CM supplies timing signalsto the driver IC chips IC1 and IC2. The timing signals are used tosynchronize the drive of the driver IC chip IC1 and the driver IC chipIC2.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example of the structure of the sensor SE ofFIG. 1. In the present embodiment, the sensor SE includes sensor driveelectrodes Tx and detection electrodes Rx. In this example, the firstsubstrate SUB1 includes the sensor drive electrodes Tx and the secondsubstrate SUB2 includes the detection electrodes Rx. The sensor driveelectrodes Tx and the detection electrodes Rx are opposed to each otherwith some dielectrics interposed therebetween.

The sensor drive electrodes Tx are disposed in the display area DA. Inthe example depicted, the sensor drive electrodes Tx are formed in bandsextending in the second direction Y and are arranged in the firstdirection X in the display area DA at intervals.

The sensor drive electrodes Tx are each electrically connected to afirst drive circuit Dr1 in a non-display area NDA. In this example, thefirst drive circuit Dr1 is stored in the driver IC chip IC1.Alternatively, the first drive circuit Dr1 may be disposed outside thedriver IC chip IC1. The first drive circuit Dr1 functions as a driverwhich supplies sensor drive signals during a sensing drive operation inwhich sensing is performed.

The detection electrode Rx includes widened parts RSL and main parts RR.The widened parts RSL are disposed in the non-display area NDA to bearranged in the second direction Y. The main parts RR are disposed inthe display area DA to be arranged in the second direction Y. Each mainpart RR extends in the first direction X. That is, the main parts RRextend in a direction crossing the sensor drive electrodes Tx. Note thatthe main parts RR are roughly depicted in bands in the figure; however,as described later, each main part RR is formed of aggregated micrometal lines. Furthermore, the widened parts RSL are roughly depicted inquadrangles in the figure; however, as described later, each widenedpart RSL is formed of aggregated micro metal lines.

Lead lines L are electrically connected to the detection electrodes Rxone-by-one and are disposed in the same surface where the detectionelectrodes Rx are disposed. The lead lines L are positioned in thenon-display area NDA in the second substrate SUB2. The lead lines Loutput sensor output values from the detection electrodes Rx.

The detection electrodes Rx are each electrically connected to a seconddrive circuit Dr2 through corresponding lead lines L. In this example,the second drive circuit Dr2 is stored in the driver IC chip IC2;however, no limitation is intended thereby, and the second drive circuitDr2 may be disposed outside the driver IC chip IC2. In the exampledepicted, the flexible printed circuit FPC2 is connected to the secondsubstrate SUB2 in the non-display area NDA and is electrically connectedto each lead line L. The driver IC chip IC2 storing the second drivercircuit Dr2 is mounted on the flexible printed circuit FPC2. The leadlines L are each electrically connected to the second drive circuit Dr2through the lines of the flexible printed circuit FPC2. The second drivecircuit Dr2 functions as a read driver which, in the sensing drive,detects sensor drive signals from the sensor drive electrodes Tx by thedetection electrodes Rx as detection signals and reads a change in thedetection signals as sensor output values through the lead lines L. Thesecond drive circuit Dr2 with the above function detects a contact orapproach of an object with respect to the display device DSP on thebasis of the sensor output values from the detection electrodes Rx.Furthermore, the second drive circuit Dr2 can detect positional data ofthe position where the object contacts or approaches.

Note that the number, size, and shape of the sensor drive electrodes Txand the detection electrodes Rx are not limited to those of the exampledepicted, and they may be changed arbitrarily.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example of the structure of the detectionelectrode Rx of FIG. 2.

The lead lines L are connected to the detection electrodes Rx at one endand to terminals TE at the other end. The terminals TE are electricallyconnected to the flexible printed circuit FPC2 of FIG. 2.

The detection electrode Rx is formed of a metal in at least its mainparts, and is formed as aggregated thin lines. In the example depicted,the widened parts RSL and the main parts RR of the detection electrodeRx are formed in a mesh shape. However, the widened parts RSL and themain parts RR of the detection electrode Rx may be formed in a linearwave shape (or triangular wave shape) or in a circular wave shape suchas sine wave, or may be formed in a combination of such shapes.

Dummy electrodes DR are disposed between the main parts RR. In theexample depicted, the dummy electrodes DR are formed of in a mesh shapewith thin metal lines as in the main parts RR. In the dummy electrodesDR, thin metal lines are formed discontinuously. For example, a break BRis provided between crossing points CX of crossing thin metal lines.Note that the position of the break BR is not limited to the exampledepicted, and it may be provided with the crossing point CX. The dummyelectrodes are not connected to the detection electrodes Rx or the leadlines L and are electrically floating. A gap between the thin lines isset to, preferably, 50 to 200 μm, or more preferably, approximately 100μm.

The detection electrode Rx is, as depicted in an enlarged manner, alayered structure which includes at least two layers. That is, thedetection electrode Rx include, in a plan view, a first layer L1 whichis a lower layer and a second layer L2 which is positioned above thefirst layer L1. As described later, the second layer L2 is formed widerthan the first layer L1 and the outermost outer edge E2 of the secondlayer L2 is positioned outside the outermost outer edge E1 of the firstlayer L1.

In the figure, the dummy electrode DR, lead line L, and terminal TE areformed as a layered structure as the detection electrode Rx.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the detection electrode Rx of FIG.3, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3. In the example depicted, a firstlower surface LS1 and a first side surface SS1 of the first layer L1form an angle θ1 which is 90 degrees. In this example, viewing from theopposite side of the tip side of the arrow of the third direction Z tothe tip side of the arrow of the third direction Z is referred to as aplan view.

As in FIG. 4(a), the first layer L1 includes a first lower surface LS1,first upper surface US1 which is positioned above the first lowersurface LS1, and first side surface SS1. In the example depicted, thecross-section of the first layer L1 is a rectangle; however, it may be asquare. In a plan view of the first layer L1, the outer edge of thefirst lower surface LS1 matches the outer edge of the first uppersurface US1. That is, the outermost outer edge E1 of the first layer L1corresponds to the outer edge of either the first lower surface LS1 orthe first upper surface US1.

The second layer L2 includes a second lower surface LS2 contacting thefirst upper surface US1, second upper surface US2 which is positionedabove the second lower surface LS2, and second side surface SS2. Theposition of the outermost outer edge E2 in the second layer L2 is notdetailed here; however, it may be disposed on the second lower surfaceLS2, or on the second upper surface US2, or between the second lowersurface LS2 and the second upper surface US2. In either case, theoutermost outer edge E2 is positioned outside the outermost outer edgeE1 in the detection electrode in which the first layer L1 having arectangular cross-section and the second layer L2 are layered.

The first layer L1 is a conductive layer of low resistance and is a mainstructure of the detection electrode Rx. The second layer L2 is areflection suppressive layer which suppresses the reflection on thefirst layer L1. The second layer L2 has a reflectivity which issignificantly lower than that of the first layer L1, and thus, thesurface color of the second layer L2 is recognized as black. In thisexample, the reflectivity of the first layer L1 is approximately 50% ormore and the reflectivity of the second layer L2 is approximately 10% orless. In consideration of the function of the reflection suppressivelayer, the reflectivity of the second layer L2 should be set as close to0% as possible.

In this example, each of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 is aconductive layer. The electrical resistance of the first layer L1 islower than that of the second layer L2. The second layer L2 may beformed as layered metal films of different refractive indices, or as acolor resin film.

FIG. 4(b), FIG. 4(c), and FIG. 4(d) show specific cross-sectional shapesof the second layer L2 of FIG. 4(a).

FIG. 4(b) shows a case where the second layer L2 has a rectangularcross-section. That is, the second layer L2 has a second lower surfaceLS2, second upper surface US2, and second side surface SS2. The secondlower surface LS2 contacts the first upper surface US1 and extends overthe edges of the first upper surface US1. The second lower surface LS2and the second side surface SS2 form an angle θ2 which is 90 degrees. Ina plan view of the second layer L2, the outer edge of the second lowersurface LS2 corresponds to the outer edge of the second upper surfaceUS2. That is, in the example depicted, the outermost outer edge E2 ofthe second layer L2 corresponds to the outer edge of either the secondlower surface LS2 or the second upper surface US2.

FIG. 4(c) shows a case where the second layer L2 has an inverselytapered cross-section which widens from the second lower surface LS2 tothe second upper surface US2. The second lower surface LS2 and thesecond side surface SS2 form an angle θ2 which is an obtuse angle. In aplan view of the second layer L2, the outer edge of the second uppersurface US2 is positioned outside the outer edge of the second lowersurface LS2. That is, in the example depicted, the outermost outer edgeE2 of the second layer L2 corresponds to the outer edge of the secondupper surface US2. Note that, in the example depicted, the outer edgeE21 of the second lower surface LS2 is positioned outside the outer edgeE21 of the first upper surface US1; however, the outer edge E21 may bepositioned inside the outer edge E12, or may match the outer edge E12.

FIG. 4(d) shows a case where the second layer L2 has an orderly taperedcross-section which narrows from the second lower surface LS2 to thesecond upper surface US2. The second lower surface LS2 and the secondside surface SS2 form an angle θ2 which is an acute angle. In a planview of the second layer L2, the outer edge of the second lower surfaceLS2 is positioned outside the outer edge of the second upper surfaceUS2. That is, in the example depicted, the outermost outer edge E2 ofthe second layer L2 corresponds to the outer edge of the second lowersurface LS2. Note that, in the example depicted, the outer edge E22 ofthe second upper surface US2 is positioned outside the outer edge E12 ofthe first upper surface US1; however, the outer edge E22 may bepositioned inside the outer edge E12, or may match the outer edge E12.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3. In the example depicted,the first lower surface LS1 and the first side surface SS1 form an angleθ1 which is an acute angle.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first layer L1 has an orderly taperedcross-sectional view which narrows from the first lower surface LS1 tothe first upper surface US1. In a plan view of the first layer L1, theouter edge of the first lower surface LS1 is positioned outside theouter edge of the first upper surface US1. That is, the outermost outeredge E1 of the first layer L1 corresponds to the outer edge of the firstlower surface LS1.

The outermost outer edge E2 of the second layer L2 is positioned in thesecond lower surface LS2, or in the second upper surface US2, or betweenthe second lower surface LS2 and the second upper surface US2. In eithercase, the outermost outer edge E2 is positioned outside the outermostouter edge E1 in the detection electrode in which the first layer L1having an orderly tapered cross-section and the second layer L2 arelayered.

FIG. 5(b), FIG. 5(c), and FIG. 5(d) show specific cross-sectional shapesof the second layer L2 of FIG. 5(a).

FIG. 5(b) shows a case where the second layer L2 has a rectangularcross-section as in FIG. 4(b). The outermost outer edge E2 of the secondlayer L2 corresponds to the outer edge of either the second lowersurface LS2 or the second upper surface US2.

FIG. 5(c) shows a case where the second layer L2 has an inverselytapered cross-section as in FIG. 4(c). The outermost outer edge E2 ofthe second layer L2 corresponds to the outer edge of the second uppersurface US2. In the example depicted, the outer edge E21 of the secondlower surface LS2 is positioned outside the outer edge E12 of the firstupper surface US1; however, the outer edge E21 may be positioned insidethe outer edge E12 or may match the outer edge E12. Furthermore, theouter edge E21 is positioned outside the outer edge E11 (outermost outeredge E1) of the first lower surface LS1; however, the outer edge E21 maybe positioned inside the outer edge E11, or may match the outer edgeE11.

FIG. 5(d) shows a case where the second layer L2 has an orderly taperedcross-section as in FIG. 4(d). The outermost outer edge E2 of the secondlayer L2 corresponds to the outer edge of the second lower surface LS2.Note that, in the example depicted, the outer edge E22 of the secondupper surface US2 is positioned outside the outer edge E12 of the firstupper surface US1; however, the outer edge E22 may be positioned insidethe outer edge E12, or may match the outer edge E12. Furthermore, theouter edge E22 is positioned outside the outer edge E11 (outermost outeredge E1) of the first lower surface LS1; however, the outer edge E22 maybe positioned inside the outer edge E11, or may match the outer edgeE11.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3. In this example, the firstlower surface LS1 and the first side surface SS1 form an angle θ1 whichis an obtuse angle.

As in FIG. 6, the first layer L1 has an inversely tapered cross-sectionwhich widens from the first lower surface LS1 to the first upper surfaceUS1. In a plan view of the first layer L1, the outer edge of the firstupper surface US1 is positioned outside the outer edge of the firstlower surface LS1. That is, the outermost outer edge E1 of the firstlayer L1 corresponds to the outer edge of the first upper surface US1.

The outermost outer edge E2 of the second layer L2 is positioned in thesecond lower surface LS2, or in the second upper surface US2, or betweenthe second lower surface LS2 and the second upper surface US2. In eithercase, the outermost outer edge E2 is positioned outside the outer edgeE1 in the detection electrode in which the first layer L1 having aninversely tapered cross-section and the second layer L2 are layered.

FIG. 6(b), FIG. 6(c), and FIG. 6(d) show specific cross-sectional shapesof the second layer L2 of FIG. 6(a).

FIG. 6(b) shows a case where the second layer L2 has a rectangularcross-section as in FIG. 4(b). In this example, the outermost outer edgeE2 of the second layer L2 corresponds to the outer edge of either thesecond lower surface LS2 or the second upper surface US2.

FIG. 6(c) shows a case where the second layer L2 has an inverselytapered cross-section as in FIG. 4(c). In this example, the outermostouter edge E2 of the second layer L2 corresponds to the outer edge ofthe second upper surface US2. Note that, in the example depicted, theouter edge E21 of the second lower surface LS2 is positioned outside theouter edge E12 (outermost outer edge E1) of the first upper surface US1;however, the outer edge E21 may be positioned inside the outer edge E12,or may match the outer edge E12.

FIG. 6(d) shows a case where the second layer L2 has an orderly taperedcross-section as in FIG. 4(d). The outermost outer edge E2 of the secondlayer L2 corresponds to the outer edge of the second lower surface LS2.Note that, in the example depicted, the outer edge E22 of the secondupper surface US2 is positioned outside the outer edge E12 (outermostouter edge E1) of the first upper surface US1; however, the outer edgeE22 may be positioned inside the outer edge E12 or may match the outeredge E12. Furthermore, the outer edge E22 is positioned outside theouter edge E11 of the first lower surface LS1; however, the outer edgeE22 may be positioned inside the outer edge E11 or may match the outeredge E11.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows another example of FIG. 6(b) in which the outer edge E21 ofthe second lower surface LS2 overlaps the outer edge E12 of the firstupper surface US1. That is, the second lower surface LS2 does notprotrude outside the first upper surface US1, or the first upper surfaceUS1 does not protrude the second lower surface LS2. In the first layerL1, the first lower surface LS1 and the first side surface SS1 form anangle θ1 which is an obtuse angle, and in the second layer L2, thesecond lower surface LS2 and the second side surface SS2 form an angleθ2 which is an obtuse angle in which θ1 is different from θ2. In thisexample, θ2 is greater than θ1; however, θ1 may be set greater than θ2in some cases.

In this example, the outermost outer edge E1 of the first layer L1corresponds to the outer edge of the first upper surface US1, and theoutermost outer edge E2 of the second layer L2 corresponds to the outeredge of the second upper surface US2, where the outermost outer edge E2is positioned outside the outermost outer edge E1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detectionelectrode Rx, taken along line A-B of FIG. 3. In this example, thesecond layer L2 covers the first layer L1.

The first side surface SS1 and the first upper surface US1 contact thesecond layer L2. The second lower surface LS2 and, for example, thefirst lower surface LS1 are formed continuously, and the second lowersurface LS2 extends outside the first lower surface LS1.

The cross-section of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be arectangular shape, square shape, orderly tapered shape, or inverselytapered shape.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an example of the structure of thedetection electrode Rx of FIG. 3.

At least one of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 may be formedas a multilayered structure in which several thin films are layered. Inthe example depicted, the first layer L1 includes a thin film F11 and athin film F12. The thin film F11 is positioned in the first lowersurface LS1 side and the thin film F12 is positioned in the first uppersurface US1 side. The thin films F11 and F12 are a metal film formed ofa metal such as Al, Ti, Ag, Mo, W, Cu, or Cr or of an alloy of anycombination of aforementioned metals. The thin films F11 and F12 may bea transparent conductive film formed of a transparent conductivematerial such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Ifone of the thin films F11 and F12 is a metal film and the other is atransparent conductive film, the layering order thereof is not limited.Thus, there may be a case where the thin film F11 is a metal film andthe thin film F12 is a transparent conductive film, and may be a casewhere the thin film F11 is a transparent conductive film and the thinfilm F12 is a metal film. Alternatively, the thin films F11 and F12 maybe both a metal film. Furthermore, the thin films F11 and F12 are notlimited to the metal film and the transparent conductive film, and thus,the thin films F11 and F12 may be insulating films.

Note that the first layer L1 is not limited to a double-layeredstructure, and it may be a multilayered structure including three ormore layers or may be a monolayer structure including only one layer.

In the example depicted, the second layer L2 includes a thin film F21and a thin film F2. The thin film F21 is positioned in the second lowersurface LS2 side and the thin film F22 is positioned in the second uppersurface US2 side. The thin film F21 contacts the thin film F12. Forexample, the thin film F21 and the thin film F22 are conductive films ordielectric films of different refractive indices. The dielectric filmis, for example, an inorganic film of a metal oxide. Here, a conductivefilm or a dielectric film of high refractive index exerts, for example,a refractive index of approximately 2.0 to 3.5, and a conductive film ora dielectric film of low refractive index exerts, for example, arefractive index of approximately 1.3 to 2.0. For example, a dielectricfilm of high refractive index is formed of TiO₂, Nb₂O₅, or Ta₂O₅, and adielectric film of low refractive index is formed of SiO₂ or MgF₂. Notethat the dielectric film may be an organic film of thermal/photo curingresin. The conductive film is a metal film formed of a metal such as Mo,W, or Ti or of an alloy of any combination of aforementioned metals.Note that the second layer L2 is not limited to a double-layeredstructure, and it may be a multilayered structure including three ormore layers or may be a monolayer structure.

Either the thin film F21 or the thin film F22 may be a light absorptionfilm, for example. A light absorption film is, for example, a thin filmhaving a thickness of 5 to 20 nm with a material exerting a refractiveindex of 1 or more and a light absorption index of 0.5 or more in avisible range. A light absorption film is formed of a metal such as Nb,C, Cr, Fe, Ge, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ti, TiN_(x)W_(y), Mn, Ru, Mo, or PbTe orof alloy of any combination of aforementioned metals. Note that thelight absorption film may be an organic film such as black resin.

Note that the thin films F21 and F22 are not limited to a dielectricfilm or a light absorption film, and they may be a light reflective filmwhich reflects light, or a protection film which suppresses damage tothe second layer L2 or corrosion of the metal material, or the like.Furthermore, the second layer L2 is not limited to a double-layeredstructure, and it may be a multilayered structure including three ormore layers or may be a monolayer structure.

FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C each show an example of a cross-section of thedetection electrode Rx in which the first layer L1 and the second layerL2 each have a multilayered structure.

If the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are each formed as amultilayer containing several materials of different properties, thefirst layer L1 and the second layer L2 may have various cross-sectionalshapes because of an etching rate of each material of the layers withrespect to an etching fluid. In the examples of FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C, thesecond side surface SS2 of the second layer L2 has a step-likeconcave/convex shape and the second upper surface US2 of the secondlayer L2 has a concave/convex shape. Furthermore, the first layer L1 hasa constricted shape. In that case, the outermost outer edge E2 ispositioned outside the outermost outer edge E1.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, even if the first lower surface LS1 isirregularly widened, the outermost outer edge E1 becomes the outer edgeE11 of the first lower surface LS1. On the other hand, if the firstlayer L1 has irregularly widened first upper surface US1 and first lowersurface LS1 as shown in FIG. 9C, the outer edge E11 of the first lowersurface LS1 is defined as the outermost outer edge E1 even through thefirst upper surface US1 protrudes outside the first lower surface LS1.This is because the first upper surface US1 extends along the secondlower surface LS2 and does not protrude in an area which issubstantially visible.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 9B, the outermost outer edge E1 of the firstlayer L1 has a width W1 which is preferably a few to a dozen μm, andmore preferably, 1 to 5 μm as a thin line detection electrode Rx.Furthermore, the outermost outer edge E2 of the second layer L2 has awidth W2 which is greater than the width W1 and is preferably a few to adozen μm, and more preferably, 2 to 6 μm. Furthermore, a gap s betweenthe outermost outer edge E1 and the outermost outer edge E2 adjacent toeach other in the width direction of the detection electrode Rx ispreferably a few hundreds nm, and more preferably, is 200 nm or less,and still more preferably, 150 nm or less.

In consideration of the above, a height h of the outermost outer edge E2with respect to the first lower surface LS1 and the gap s should satisfythe following relationship ofh/s<2

and in that case, even if the detection electrode Rx is viewed in a planview, the first layer L1 is not visible, and even if the detectionelectrode Rx is viewed from a slightly slanting viewpoint, the firstlayer L1 is difficult to recognize since the second layer L2 protrudesby the gap s. If the first layer L1 is viewed from a more slantingviewpoint, the first layer L1 may possibly be recognized; however, thecomponents of the light incident from such a slanting angle are mostlyreflected by the first layer L1 and enter the second lower surface LS2and the other substrates below the first layer L1. Thus, the lightreflected by the first layer L1 becomes very glimmer and the visibilitythereof becomes very low. In consideration of the above, the first layerL1 is preferably formed in an orderly tapered shape and the second layerL2 is formed in an orderly tapered shape or in an inversely taperedshape.

Furthermore, a thickness T1 between the first lower surface LS1 and thefirst upper surface US1 is, preferably, 200 to 400 nm as a thin linedetection electrode Rx. Furthermore, a thickness T2 between the secondlower surface LS2 and the second upper surface US2 is, preferably, 50 to200 nm.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the structure of thesensor SE including the detection electrode Rx of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10(a) shows an example in which the first layer L1 contacts asupport.

A support SPT includes a first main surface SF1 and a second mainsurface SF2 which is positioned above the first main surface SF1. If thesensor SE is stored in the display panel PNL, the support SPTcorresponds to, for example, the second substrate SUB2. If the sensor SEis a sensor device which is attachable to the display panel PNL, thesupport SPT corresponds to, for example, a substrate. In the exampledepicted, the detection electrode Rx is disposed on the second mainsurface SF2 of the support SPT. The support SPT and the detectionelectrode Rx are covered with an insulating film IL1. The first layer L1is disposed on the support SPT and the first lower surface LS1 contactsthe second main surface SF2. The second layer L2 is disposed on thefirst layer L1 and the second upper surface US2 contacts the insulatingfilm IL1. The insulating film IL1 contacts the first side surface SS1and the second side surface SS2.

FIG. 10(b) shows an example in which the second layer L2 contacts asupport.

In the example depicted, the detection electrode Rx is disposed on thefirst main surface SF1 of the support SPT. The support SPT and thedetection electrode Rx are covered with an insulating film IL1. Thesecond layer L2 is disposed below the support SPT and the second uppersurface US2 contacts the first main surface SF1 of the support SPT. Thefirst layer L1 is disposed on the second layer L2 and the first lowersurface LS1 contacts the insulating film IL1. The insulating film IL1contacts the first side surface SS1 and the second side surface SS2.

In the examples of FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b), the insulating film IL1functions as a protection layer which suppresses damage and corrosion ofthe detection electrode Rx. Furthermore, the insulating film IL1 mayinclude other function layers such as an adhesive layer which adhere thesupport SPT to a different material.

Now, a manufacturing method of the sensor SE in a structure where thedisplay panel is a support will be explained.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a manufacturing method of adisplay device including the sensor SE.

FIG. 11(a) shows a step of forming a first layer L1 and a second layerL2. Initially, the first layer L1 is formed on the entirety of thesecond substrate SUB2 of the display panel PNL. Then, the second layerL2 is formed on the entirety of the first layer L1. That is, the firstlower surface LS1 contacts the display panel PNL and the first uppersurface US1 contacts the second lower surface LS2. The second uppersurface US2 is exposed.

FIG. 11(b) shows a step of patterning the detection electrode Rx.

In this step, a photoresist which is patterned as a desired shape isformed on the second layer L2. Then, using the photoresist as a mask,the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are together etched with anetching fluid which mainly contains phosphoric acid, and the detectionelectrode Rx is formed. At that time, an etching rate of the first layerL1 is set higher than that of the second layer L2. Furthermore, anetching condition is determined to form a desired cross-sectional shapeof each of the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. In this step, thedummy electrode DR, lead line L, and terminal TE of FIG. 3 are patternedtogether with the detection electrode Rx. Then, the photoresist isremoved. If the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are conductivelayers, the step ends here; however, if the second layer L2 is aninsulating layer, only the second layer L2 of the terminal TE is removedby additional etching. Note that, as described later with reference toFIG. 14, the display device DSP includes a color filter, light shieldinglayer, and light absorption layer such as decorative printing. Thus, thedegradation in visibility of the display image caused by external lightreflection in the first side surface SS1 of the first layer L1 andmultiple reflection between the first layer L1 and each layer of thedisplay panel PNL can be suppressed.

FIG. 11(c) shows a step of forming an insulating film IL2.

In this step, an insulating film IL1 which functions as a protectionlayer is formed on the display panel PNL and the detection electrode Rx.The insulating film IL1 covers the detection electrode Rx. Theinsulating film IL1 is not specifically limited as long as it is lighttransmissive and is formed of an electrically insulating material, andthe insulating film IL1 may be an inorganic insulating film or may be anorganic insulating film. Note that a haze value of the insulating filmIL1 is, preferably, set to 1 or less. Thereby, the external lightdiffused by the insulating film IL1 entering the first side surface SS1can be suppressed, and the degradation in visibility of the displayimage can be suppressed.

FIG. 11(d) shows a step of disposing a polarizer PL.

In this step, the polarizer PL is adhered onto the insulating film IL1.The polarizer PL is disposed above the second layer L2.

FIG. 11(e) shows a step of disposing a cover CV.

In this step, the cover CV is adhered onto the polarizer PL. Theinsulating film IL2 functions as an adhesive layer to adhere the displaypanel PNL and the cover CV. In the example depicted, the insulating filmIL2 covers the insulating film IL1 and the polarizer PL. The cover CV isformed of a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a resinsubstrate.

FIG. 12 is a photograph of a cross-section of the detection electrodeformed through the steps of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a two-dimensional electrophotograph of a cross-section of thedetection electrode Rx taken by a scanning electron microscope (SEM).The first layer L1 is formed on the support SPT and the second layer L2is formed on the first layer L1. In the figure, the first layer L1 hasan orderly tapered shape and the second layer L2 has an orderly taperedshape. The outer edge E21 (outermost outer edge E2) of the lower surfaceof the second layer L2 is positioned outside the outer edge E11(outermost outer edge E1) of the lower surface of the first layer L1.Furthermore, the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 are covered withthe insulating film IL1.

FIG. 13 shows the basic structure of the display device DSP of FIG. 1and its equivalent circuit.

The display device DSP includes not only the display panel PNL but alsothe first drive circuit Dr1, signal line drive circuit SD, and scan linedrive circuit GD in the non-display area NDA outside the display areaDA.

The display panel PNL includes a plurality of pixels PX in the displayarea DA. The pixels PX are formed in an m×n matrix spreading in both thefirst direction X and the second direction Y (where each of m and n is apositive integer). Furthermore, the display panel PNL includes n scanlines G (G1 to Gn) and m signal lines S (S1 to Sm) in the display areaDA.

Scan lines G extend in the first direction X and are drawn outside thedisplay area DA to be connected to the scan line drive circuit SD. Thescan lines G are arranged in the second direction Y at intervals. Signallines S extend in the second direction Y and are drawn outside thedisplay area DA to be connected to the signal line drive circuit SD. Thesignal lines S are arranged in the first direction X at intervals tocross the scan lines G. Note that the scan lines G and signal lines S donot necessarily extend linearly and they may be formed to partly bend.The sensor drive electrodes Tx function as a common electrode CE sharedby the pixels PX and are drawn outside the display area DA to beconnected to the first drive circuit Dr1.

Each pixel PX includes, for example, a switching element SW, pixelelectrode PE, common electrode CE, and liquid crystal layer LC. Theswitching element SW is, for example, a thin film transistor. Theswitching element SW is electrically connected to a scan line G and asignal line S. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to theswitching element SW. The pixel electrode PE is opposed to the commonelectrode CE. A capacitance CS is formed between the common electrode CEand the pixel electrode PE, for example.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of the displaydevice DSP.

In the present embodiment, the display panel PNL may be structured as avertical field display mode in which a vertical field along the normalof the substrate main surface is used, or as an inclined field displaymode in which a field inclined with respect to the normal of thesubstrate main surface is used, or as a horizontal field mode in which ahorizontal field along the substrate main surface is used.Alternatively, the display panel PNL may be structured to correspond toa display mode of a combination of the aforementioned vertical fieldmode, horizontal field mode, and inclined field mode. Note that thesubstrate main surface is a surface parallel to the X-Y plane which isdefined by the first direction X and the second direction Y which areorthogonal to each other. In the vertical field display mode or theinclined field display mode, pixel electrodes PE and the like aredisposed on the first substrate SUB1 while the common electrode CE isdisposed on the second substrate SUB2. In the horizontal field mode,both the pixel electrodes PE and the common electrode CE are disposed onthe first substrate SUB1.

In the example depicted, the display panel PNL is structure tocorrespond to the horizontal field display mode. In the display panelPNL, the first substrate SUB1 is opposed to the second substrate SUB2with a certain gap therebetween. The liquid crystal layer LC is disposedin the gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrateSUB2.

The first substrate SUB1 includes a light transmissive first insulatingsubstrate 10 such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate. The firstsubstrate SUB1 includes, above the first insulating substrate 10, thatis, in the side opposed to the second substrate SUB2, a scan line,switching element, signal line S, common electrode CE, pixel electrodePE, first insulating film 11, second insulating film 12, thirdinsulating film 13, and first alignment film AL1. In the exampledepicted, both the scan line and the switching element are omitted.

The first insulating film 11 is positioned above the first insulatingsubstrate 10, the second insulating film 12 is positioned above thefirst insulating film 11, and the third insulating film 13 is disposeabove the second insulating film 12. The signal line S is disposedbetween the first insulating film 11 and the second insulating film 12.The common electrode CE is disposed between the second insulating film12 and the third insulating film 13. The pixel electrode PE ispositioned above the third insulating film 13. Each pixel electrode PEis disposed between adjacent signal lines S to be opposed to the commonelectrode CE. Each pixel electrode PE includes a slit SL at the positionopposed to the common electrode CE. The common electrode CE and thepixel electrode PE are formed of a transparent conductive material suchas indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Note that, in theexample depicted, a metal layer ML is disposed above the commonelectrode CE to decrease the resistance of the common electrode CE;however, the metal layer ML may be omitted. The first alignment film AL1is disposed above the pixel electrode PE and the third insulating film13.

The second substrate SUB2 includes a light transmissive secondinsulating substrate 20 such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate.The second substrate SUB2 includes, below the second insulatingsubstrate 20, that is, in the side opposed to the first substrate SUB1,a light shielding layer BM, color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB, overcoatlayer OC, and second alignment film AL2.

The light shielding layer BM is positioned on the inner surface of thesecond insulating substrate 20 to define each pixel. The color filtersCFR, CFG, and CFB are each disposed on the inner surface of the secondinsulating substrate 20 and each partly overlap the light shieldinglayer BM. The color filter CFR is a red color filter positioned tocorrespond to a red pixel and is formed of a red resin material. Thecolor filter CFG is a green color filter positioned to correspond to agreen pixel and is formed of a green resin material. The color filterCFB is a blue color filter positioned to correspond to a blue pixel andis formed of a blue resin material. The overcoat layer OC covers thecolor filters CFR, CFG, and CFB. The overcoat layer OC is formed of atransparent resin material. The second alignment film AL2 covers theovercoat layer OC.

The detection electrode Rx is positioned in the outer surface ES side ofthe second insulating substrate 20. In the example depicted, thedetection electrode Rx contacts the outer surface ES of the secondinsulating substrate 20; however, an insulating member may be interposedtherebetween. The detailed structure of the detection electrode Rx hasbeen described above. Each detection electrode Rx is opposed to thecommon electrode CE with dielectrics such as the third insulating film13, first alignment film AL1, liquid crystal layer LC, second alignmentfilm AL2, overcoat layer OC, color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB, and secondinsulating substrate 20.

The first polarizer PL1 is disposed between the first insulatingsubstrate 10 and the backlight unit BL. The second polarizer PL2 isdisposed above the detection electrode Rx. The first polarizer PL1 andthe second polarizer PL2 may include a retardation film, if necessary.The first polarizer PL1 and the second polarizer PL2 are arranged in acrossed-Nicol state in which absorption axes thereof cross orthogonally.

In the present embodiment, the detection electrode Rx of the sensor SEincludes the first layer L1, and the second layer L2 which is disposedabove the first layer 11 and has a reflectivity lower than that of thefirst layer L1. The outermost outer edge E2 of the second layer L2 isdisposed outside the outermost outer edge E1 of the first layer L1, andthus, the external light entering the first side surface SS1 can besuppressed. Even if the external light enters the first side surfaceSS1, the external light reflected by the first side surface SS1 mainlyenters the second lower surface LS2. Thus, the visibility of the firstlayer L1 when the display panel is viewed from a slanting viewpoint canbe decreased. Therefore, in a combination of the sensor and the displaydevice in which the sensor is formed of a metal, glare caused by themetal sensor can be significantly reduced and the degradation invisibility of image displayed by the display device can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the second layer L2 has a significantly low reflectivityand is substantially recognized as black. Thus, when the second layer L2is viewed from the observational position, the detection electrode Rxwhich is a meshed thin lines disposed on the outermost surface is,macroscopically, very difficult to recognize, and when an image isdisplayed on the display panel PNL, the detection electrode Rx issubstantially unrecognizable or is not at all recognized by a viewer. Onthe other hand, when the display panel PNL has no image thereon, thatis, a black display (R=0, G=0, and B=0 in the entirety of the displayarea DA), the detection electrode Rx is merged with the black display,and the blackness of the black display is not ruined, if anything, theblackness of the display panel PNL will be increased by a combination ofthe detection electrode Rx and the black display. Consequently, theperformance of contrast can be improved in the display panel PNL.

If the detection electrode Rx has a cross-section as shown in FIGS. 4 to8, the above-described advantages can be achieved. Especially, if thesecond layer has an inversely tapered cross-sectional shape as shown inFIG. 4(c), FIG. 5(c), FIG. 6(c), and FIG. 7, and the detection electrodeRx is observed from the observational position at the arrow tip of thethird direction Z, only the second upper surface US2 which is relativelyflat faces the observational position, and thus, the reflection of theexternal light entering the detection electrode Rx from theobservational position can be prevented almost perfectly. Especially, ifthe second layer has an orderly tapered cross-sectional shape as shownin FIG. 4(d), FIG. 5(d), and FIG. 6(d), and the detection electrode Rxis observed from the observational position greatly slanting from thethird direction Z, exposure of the first side surface SS1 can beprevented and the reflection of the external light by the first sidesurface SS1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, if notonly the first upper surface US1 but also the first side surface SS1 arecovered with the second layer L2, the reflection of external light bythe first upper surface US1 and the first side surface SS1 can besuppressed.

Furthermore, since the detection electrode Rx and the lead line L aredisposed on the outer surface of the second insulating substrate 20,they can be formed through the same process with the same materials.Furthermore, since the detection electrode Rx and the lead line L areformed of a metal which has very low electrical resistance value ascompared to a transparent conductive material, they can be formed in athin line which can be drawn in a long distance as its thin line widthis maintained.

Furthermore, amongst the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 of thedetection electrode Rx, if the second layer L2 which is positioned to beapart from the support SPT (second insulating substrate 20) is aconductive layer, the detection electrode Rx and the second drivecircuit Dr2 can be electrically connected through the terminal TEwithout removing the second layer L2 of the terminal TE after theetching process of both the detection electrode Rx and the terminal TE.That is, increase of the production costs caused by increase of stepscan be suppressed.

The first layer L1 is a multilayered film including, for example, ametal thin film F11 and a transparent conductive thin film F12. The thinfilm F11 exerts good conductivity and the thin film F12 suppressescorrosion of the thin film F11, the detection performance of the sensorSE can be improved and the deterioration of the performance thereof canbe suppressed.

Note that the display device DSP includes the second polarizer PL2 whichis positioned above the second layer L2. The external light entering thedisplay device DSP is sufficiently weakened by the second polarizer PL2and the second layer L2, and thus, the degradation in visibility ofdisplay image caused by reflection by the first layer L1 can further besuppressed. Here, even if the detection electrode Rx is disposed abovethe second polarizer PL2, the above-described advantages can beachieved. Such a variation will be explained with reference to FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 a variation of the cross-sectional view of a variation of thedisplay panel PNL in which a detection electrode Rx is arranged in aposition different from the above embodiment. That is, the detectionelectrode Rx is disposed in the cover CV side, and in this respect, thevariation of FIG. 15 is different from the example of FIG. 14.

The display device DSP includes the second polarizer PL2 on the secondsubstrate SUB2. The cover CV is disposed above the display panel PNL. Aperipheral light shielding layer PRP is provided with the edge of thelower surface of the cover CV to shield the light in the periphery ofthe display area DA. The insulating film IL2 is provided with the lowersurface of the cover CV. The insulating film IL2 covers the peripherallight shielding layer PRP. The insulating film IL2 is an overcoat layerformed of an insulating material having the haze value of 1 or less. Thesupport SPT corresponds to the cover CV and the insulating film IL2, andthe detection electrode Rx and the lead line L are formed on the lowersurface of the insulating film IL2. The insulating film IL1 is disposedbetween the detection electrode Rx and the second polarizer PL2. Theinsulating film IL1 adheres the display panel PNL and the cover CV. Thesecond upper surface US2 of the second layer L2 contacts the insulatingfilm IL2 and the first lower surface LS1 of the first layer L1 contactsthe insulating film IL1. Although this is not depicted, the sensor driveelectrode Tx may be disposed arbitrarily, and may be stored in the firstsubstrate SUB1 or the second substrate SUB2, or may be disposed betweenthe second substrate SUB2 and the second polarizer PL2.

In the above description of the embodiment, the sensor-equipped displaydevice includes the common electrode CE in the display panel PNL whichfunctions as the sensor drive electrode Tx, and further includes thedetection electrodes Rx opposed to the sensor drive electrode Tx andlead lines L electrically connected to the detection electrodes Rx.However, no limitation is intended thereby, and the embodiment may beapplied to a sensor device which is used in combination with a displaypanel including no sensor element such as a sensor drive electrode or adetection electrode wherein the sensor device and the display panel arecombined through adhesion or the like. Such a sensor device can achievethe advantages obtained in the above embodiment. Hereinafter, an examplein which a sensor device is applied to a display panel will beexplained.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the structure of a sensor device EQ of theembodiment.

The sensor device EQ includes, on the support SPT, first electrodes DX,second electrodes DY, lead lines L, and terminals TE. The firstelectrodes DX and the second electrodes DY are disposed in the displayarea DA while the lead lines L and the terminals TE are disposed in thenon-display area NDA. In a plan view, each of the first electrode DX andthe second electrode DY is formed as a rhombus. The first electrodes DXand the second electrodes DY are arranged in the first direction X andthe second direction Y. A second electrode DY is adjacent to each sideof a first electrode DX, and a first electrode DX is adjacent to eachside of a second electrode DY.

The first electrodes DX arranged in the first direction X areelectrically connected to each other in bridges DB and are electricallyconnected to one of the lead lines L. The lead lines L electricallyconnect the terminals TE and the first electrodes DX. The firstelectrodes DX arranged in the second direction Y are electricallyisolated from each other, and are electrically connected to differentlead lines L. The lead lines L electrically connect the terminals TE andthe first electrodes DX.

Furthermore, the second electrodes DY arranged in the second direction Yare formed such that their opposed corners are formed continuously inthe lower layer of the bridges DB and are electrically connected to eachother. The second electrode DY arranged in the second direction Y areelectrically connected to one of the lead lines L. The lead lines Lelectrically connect to the terminals TE and the second electrodes DY.The second electrodes DY arranged in the first direction X areelectrically isolated from each other, and are electrically connected todifferent lead lines L. The lead lines L electrically connect theterminals TE and the second electrodes DY.

The first electrodes DX and the second electrodes DY are depicted asplates in the figure for the sake of simpler explanation; however, inthe actual form, the first electrodes DX and the second electrodes DYare formed in a mesh. Furthermore, as long as the first electrodes DXand the second electrodes DY are formed of thin lines, the shape thereofis not limited and it may be a linear wave shape (or triangular waveshape), or circular wave shape such as a sine wave, or may be acombination of the aforementioned wave shapes.

Note that the sensor device EQ may be of either mutual capacitance orself capacitance. If the sensor device EQ is a touchpanel of mutualcapacitance, the first electrodes DX correspond to the detectionelectrodes Rx and the second electrodes DY correspond to the sensordrive electrodes Tx, for example. If the sensor device EQ is atouchpanel of self capacitance, both the first electrodes DX and thesecond electrodes DY correspond to the detection electrodes Rx.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the display device DSP includingthe sensor device EQ of FIG. 16. The sensor device EQ depicted is atouchpanel of mutual capacitance. Note that FIG. 17 is a cross-sectionof the area including the bridges DB taken along the first direction X.

The support SPT includes a cover CV, peripheral light shielding layerPRP, and insulating film IL3. The peripheral light shielding layer PRPis disposed on the lower surface of the cover CV. The insulating filmIL3 is disposed on the lower surface of the cover CV to cover theperipheral light shielding layer PRP.

The first electrode DX (detection electrode) includes a first layer L1and the second layer L2. The second electrode DY (sensor driveelectrode) includes a third layer L3 and a fourth layer L4. In theexample depicted, the first electrode DX and the second electrode DY aredisposed on the same surface of the support SPT. The third layer L3 andthe first layer L1 are disposed in the same layer, and the fourth layerL4 and the second layer L2 are disposed in the same layer. The thirdlayer L3 may be formed of the same material used for the first layer L1,and the fourth layer L4 may be formed of the same material used for thesecond layer L2. In that case, the lead lines L may be disposed on thesame surface where the first electrode DX and the second electrode DYare disposed in the same multilayer manner. The second layer L2 isdisposed below the insulating film IL3, and the first layer L1 isdisposed below the second layer L2. The second upper surface US2 of thesecond layer L2 contacts the insulating film IL3 (support SPT). Thesecond electrode DY is covered with the insulating film IL4. Theinsulating film IL4 and the first electrodes DX adjacent to the secondelectrode DY are covered with the bridge DB. The bridge DB electricallyconnects the first electrodes DX and is electrically isolated from thesecond electrode DY.

The display panel PNL includes the second polarizer PL2 on the secondsubstrate SUB2. The insulating film IL1 is disposed between the secondpolarizer PL2 and the sensor device EQ. The insulating film IL1 coversthe first electrode DX, bridge DB, and lead line L. In the firstelectrodes DX which are not covered by a bridge DB, the first lowersurface LS1 contacts the insulating film IL1.

The sensor device EQ of FIGS. 16 and 17 may be incorporated in thedisplay panel PNL. Specifically, in that case, the second substrate SUB2is used as a support SPT, and the first electrode DX, second electrodeDY, insulating film IL4, bridge DB, and lead line L may be disposed onthe second substrate SUB2.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section of the display device DSP in which the sensordevice EQ of FIG. 16 is incorporated in the display panel PNL.

In the example depicted, the second substrate SUB2, first electrode DX,insulating film IL4, bridge DB, and lead line L are covered with theinsulating film IL1. The second polarizer PL2 is disposed on theinsulating film IL1. The first lower surface LS1 contacts the secondsubstrate SUB2. The insulating film IL3 is disposed on the lower surfaceof the cover CV and the insulating film IL3 covers the peripheral lightshielding layer PRP. The insulating film IL2 is disposed between thesecond polarizer PL2 and the insulating film IL3. In the firstelectrodes DX which are not covered by a bridge DB, the second uppersurface US2 contacts the insulating film IL1. In such a variation, theadvantage obtained in the above embodiment can be achieved.

As described above, the present embodiment can present a sensor-equippeddisplay device and a sensor device both of which can suppressdegradation in visibility of the display image.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sensor-equipped display device comprising: adisplay panel including a substrate, a sensor drive electrode, and adetection electrode opposed to the sensor drive electrode, wherein thedetection electrode includes a first layer and a second layer formed onand in contact with the first layer, one of the first and second layersis between the substrate and an other of the first and second layers,the first and second layers run in a first direction, the first layerhas a first width in a second direction intersecting the firstdirection, the second layer has a second width in the second direction,the second width being wider than the first width, the first layerincludes a first lower surface and a first upper surface opposed to thefirst lower surface, the first upper surface being between the firstlower surface and the second layer, the second layer includes a secondlower surface located on the first upper surface, and a second uppersurface opposed to the second lower surface, the second lower surfacebeing between the second upper surface and the first layer, the secondlower surface has a first region which is in contact with the firstupper surface and a second region which is not in contact with the firstupper surface, and the second region includes a part of an edge of thesecond lower surface, wherein an entirety of the first upper surface isin contact with the second lower surface, and wherein the first layerhas a first outermost edge and a second outermost edge facing the firstoutermost edge in the second direction, the second layer has a thirdoutermost edge and a fourth outermost edge facing the third outermostedge in the second direction, and the third outermost edge, the firstoutermost edge, the second outermost edge, and the fourth outermost edgeare arranged in this order in a plan view.
 2. The sensor-equippeddisplay device of claim 1, wherein the second layer has a reflectivitylower than that of the first layer.
 3. The sensor-equipped displaydevice of claim 1, wherein the first upper surface has a first outeredge in the second direction, the second lower surface has a secondouter edge in the second direction, and the second outer edge does notoverlap the first outer edge in a plan view.
 4. The sensor-equippeddisplay device of claim 1, wherein the second layer includes a colorresin film.
 5. The sensor-equipped display device of claim 1, whereinthe second layer includes a black resin film.
 6. The sensor-equippeddisplay device of claim 1, wherein the second layer includes a lightabsorption film.
 7. A sensor device comprising a substrate and adetection electrode above the substrate, wherein the detection electrodeincludes a first layer and a second layer formed on and in contact withthe first layer, one of the first and second layers is between thesubstrate and an other of the first and second layers, the first andsecond layers run in a first direction, the first layer has a firstwidth in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the secondlayer has a second width in the second direction, the second width beingwider than the first width, the first layer includes a first lowersurface and a first upper surface opposed to the first lower surface,the first upper surface being between the first lower surface and thesecond layer, the second layer includes a second lower surface locatedon the first upper surface, and a second upper surface opposed to thesecond lower surface, the second lower surface being between the secondupper surface and the first layer, the second lower surface has a firstregion which is in contact with the first upper surface and a secondregion which is not in contact with the first upper surface, and thesecond region includes a part of an edge of the second lower surface,wherein an entirety of the first upper surface is in contact with thesecond lower surface, and wherein the first layer has a first outermostedge and a second outermost edge facing the first outermost edge in thesecond direction, the second layer has a third outermost edge and afourth outermost edge facing the third outermost edge in the seconddirection, and the third outermost edge, the first outermost edge, thesecond outermost edge, and the fourth outermost edge are arranged inthis order in a plan view.
 8. The sensor device of claim 7, wherein thesecond layer has a reflectivity lower than that of the first layer. 9.The sensor device of claim 7, wherein the first upper surface has afirst outer edge in the second direction, the second lower surface has asecond outer edge in the second direction, and the second outer edgedoes not overlap the first outer edge in a plan view.
 10. The sensordevice of claim 7, wherein the second layer includes a color resin film.11. The sensor device of claim 7, wherein the second layer includes ablack resin film.
 12. The sensor device of claim 7, wherein the secondlayer includes a light absorption film.